Physiotherapy hip impingement
Cause of hip impingement
Cam Impingement
- Anatomical Characteristics: Cam impingement is caused by an abnormality in the shape of the femur (thighbone). Specifically, there is a flattening or bulge on the head-neck transition area of the femur.
- Effect on the Joint: This deformity can cause, when the hip moves, the abnormal bone to contact the edge of the hip socket, which can cause damage to the labrum (the lip of the hip socket) and cartilage.
- Most Affected Persons: Cam impingement is more common in young men, especially those who are active or participate in sports.
Pincer Impingement
- Anatomical Characteristics: Pincer impingement is caused by an abnormality or over-covering of the hip socket (acetabulum). This may be because the hip socket is too deep or because the edge of the hip socket protrudes too far over the femur.
- Effect on the Joint: In pincer impingement, the hip socket compresses the femur, leading to compression of the labrum and cartilage. Unlike cam impingement, where the damage occurs mainly on the side of the hip socket, in pincer impingement the damage is more localized to the front of the hip socket.
- Most Affected Persons: Pincer impingement is more commonly seen in middle-aged women, especially those who are active or participate in sports.
Combined (Cam and Pincer) Impingement
- It is also possible for a person to have both cam and pincer impingement, meaning there is a problem with both the shape of the femur and the hip socket. This is called mixed impingement and can make symptoms and treatment more complex.
Treatment for FAI, whether cam, pincer or a combination of both, can range from physical therapy and activity modifications to surgical intervention, depending on the severity of symptoms and the patient's specific needs. It is important that a qualified health care provider make an accurate diagnosis and create a treatment plan.
What is the labrum?
The labrum is a cartilage ring located in the hip socket. The extra bone growth in impingement can damage the labrum. In addition, the extra bone growth can cause accelerated wear of the hip joint, better known as osteoarthritis. The labrum is an important part of the hip joint. It plays an important role in the stability of the joint. Below is more detailed information about the labrum:
- Anatomical Position: The labrum is a ring of firm but flexible cartilage that surrounds the edge of the hip socket (acetabulum).
- Structure: The labrum is fibrocartilaginous, which means it is a mixture of fibrous tissue and cartilage. It is firm but also elastic.
Diagnosis of FAI hip
Treatment of hip pain Physio Fitaal Tilburg
Are these complaints recognizable or suffer from other complaints in the hip? Then make an appointment now at one of our therapists.